Sept. 19, 2008
Knights Football Central
UCF Game Notes
UCF at Boston College
Saturday, Sept. 20 ? Alumni Stadium ? 1 p.m.
Television: ESPNU (Dave Armstrong, Larry Coker)
Radio: UCF ISP Sports Radio Network ? Marc Daniels (play-by-play), Gary Parris (color), Jerry O'Neill (sideline reporter), Scott Adams (reporter)
WQTM 740AM - Orlando, WMMV 1350AM Cocoa, WDCF 1350AM - Dade City, WROD 1340AM - Daytona Beach, WMMB 1240AM - Melbourne, WLVJ 1040AM/WKAT 1360 AM - Miami, Fort Lauderdale, South Palm Beach), WPSL 1590AM - Treasure Coast/North Palm Beach, WZHR 1400AM - Zephyrhills
Internet: Live audio and statistics at UCFathletics.com
When UCF has the ball
Saturday afternoon, the Knights will be trying to build upon a fourth quarter comeback against USF two weeks ago, where quarterback Michael Greco (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) threw for scores to junior tight end Corey Rabazinski (Winter Park, Fla.) and senior wide receiver Rocky Ross (Jacksonville, Fla). The Knights' close defeat showed fans glimpses of how dangerous Greco can be with his arm and legs. A key component the Knights will need to get going is the running game. Redshirt freshman tailback Ronnie Weaver (Wabasso, Fla.) struggled against the Bulls' defense for 28 yards on 17 carries. Although the running game wasn't able to get going last game, the offensive line did not allow a sack to a very strong USF defensive line. Ross will be looking to build upon his team leading 11 receptions when the Knights face a stingy Boston College defense that has only allowed an average of 9.5 points per game.
When Boston College has the ball
Boston College is now in its third game in the post-Matt Ryan era. Ryan, who led the Eagles to an 11-3 record last season, is now starting for the Atlanta Falcons. His replacement, Chris Crane, has struggled in the Eagles' first two games. In those games, Crane has thrown for a combined 248 yards with one passing touchdown and two interceptions. Leading the Eagles' rushing attack is freshman Josh Haden and junior Jeff Smith, who have rushed for a combined 200 yards in the first two contests. Wide receiver Rich Gunnel returns for his senior campaign after leading the Eagles in yards and receptions last season. Gunnel has started slow this season, only catching three passes for 26 yards. Crane and the Eagles' offense will be going up against a veteran Knights' secondary that has forced the most interceptions in Conference USA over the past two seasons. The Knights have also been tough against the run, only allowing 210 yards on the ground in 2008.
Game changers
The Knights' defense returns nine starters from last season, but this season is being led in tackles by sophomore linebacker Lawrence Young (Pensacola, Fla). Young, who appeared in 12 games last season, leads the Knights in tackles with 13 on the season. Young also paces the Knights in tackles for loss with 4.5. With the Knights playing a tough road game, they will need more of the same production from their strong sophomore. Boston College will needclutch kicking from former walk-on Steve Aponavicius. Aponavicius currently leads the team in points scored, and with both teams having strong defenses, points will be at a premium. In his senior season, Aponavicius is now a full scholarship player. He walked on to the team mid-season 2006, and in his first collegiate game, connected on his first two field goals on national television against Virginia Tech.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.